title: HIV Postexposure Prophylaxis (PEP) in a Nigerian Tertiary Health Institution.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Use of PEP drugs is useful in preventing seroconversion following accidental occupational or nonoccupational exposures, thereby limiting further spread of HIV.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  This study aims to evaluate the clinicodemographic characteristics of patients accessing PEP services in a tertiary health institution.
  
  
  METHODS
  This was a retrospective review of patients who obtained postexposure prophylaxis from the HIV clinic of a University Teaching Hospital in Nigeria.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A total of 116 clients sought for PEP services during the study period. The commonest setting of exposure was needle injury (44.8%). Half of the clients presented within 24 hours following exposure. Being a male and knowing HIV status of source patient independently increased the likelihood of early presentation following exposure (P < .05). None of the patients that obtained the PEP drugs came for follow-up visits. Conclusion/Recommendation: Late presentation for PEP services following exposure means that more awareness needs to be created to facilitate early presentation.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, UNTH, Enugu, Nigeria, cajetan.onyedum@unn.edu.ng.
authors.forename: Cajetan C
authors.initials: CC
authors.lastname: Onyedum
authors.forename: Chinwe
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Chukwuka
authors.forename: Chukwuemeka A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Iyoke
authors.forename: Olusegun Funsho
authors.initials: OF
authors.lastname: Omotola
mesh_terms: D015658:HIV Infections / Q000188:drug therapy; D006268:Health Facilities; D006801:Humans; D009549:Nigeria; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000517:prevention & control; D056990:Post-Exposure Prophylaxis; D012189:Retrospective Studies